Herbs for your Health     

     Herbs have been used for centuries throughout the world not just for tea and seasoning of food, but for medicinal purposes also. The earliest pharmaceutical products were organic botanicals, some of which are still dispensed by pharmacies around the globe, because the herbs are tried and true remedies. Herbs can be a safer and sometimes better effective remedy for what 'ails ya' instead of a dangerous drug, but caution cannot be thrown to the wind just because they are natural, plant based substances...some compounds should never be used by you without personal knowledge about what you are taking, or you should consult with a professional to assist in your choice.

      Herbal medicine remains the primary source for the treatment of disease, injury and minor health complaints throughout China and India. In China, patients may have their physician dispense the plant based medication they need right in their office, or write a prescription for the ailing client to take to a local herbal shop to be filled by an expert in the field. The Herbalist will most often select various dried herbs from their huge assortment, and place the herbs in folded paper to be carried out by the customer. Usually, these compounds are administered by brewing them as tea, or similarly made into a tincture. A tincture is made by placing a quantity of herbs in water or grape-based alcohol. The herbs are allowed to stand for a designated period of time (occasionally shaken) untill the healing compounds within the plant have been adequately extracted. The solution is then used by the patient according to the instructions given by the doctor or pharmacist.

     Powdered herbs are also a common way to get the healing substances into the body. Empty gelatin or vegetable capsules are filled with herbal powder and they can be swallowed with a glass of water or warm tea so that they may desolve within the stomach thereby releasing the active ingredients. For topical (external) application of herbal compounds, they are made into a paste, placed on the effected area of the body, then covered with a large bandage or other moisture resistant material and allowed to 'sit' on the bruise, boil, wart, skin-tag, rash or other skin disorder. The process is repeated intermittently until the malady has been cured. Similarly, topical applications can be made in the form of creams, salves, lotions and tinctures for applying to the skin.

     A rule of caution when considering treatment of an illness with medicinal herbs is to 'not' self-diagnose, prescribe and administer any plant based pharmaceudical. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional prior to using botanicals...especially before using a product internally. Although many herbs are harmless, even when administered incorrectly, some are down-right dangerous. Remember...medicinal herbs 'are' medicines...you wouldn't take penicillin if you didn't have an infection, so...why would you take a potent anti-bacterial herb when you are not sick? Also, some herbs are not intended to be used for long periods of time, just as some modern day drugs are not meant to be taken for extended periods. In the short term, some medicines work as they are intended to, yet may cause adverse reactions or severe complications when violating this rule. Another consideration must be made with respect to interactions between medications you are taking. Sometimes they may not mix well within the body and do more harm than good. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you can safely take the herb you are considering, along with any other medication you are taking.

     Purchase Quality, Organic Herbs at Herbs by Ounce Market-Place

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Acaì For Your Health – by Bill Crimi

The first time I tasted acaì (ah-sigh-ee) I became hooked; it was in the form of a (Sambazon Acai) smoothie at my favorite Juice Bar in New York City a few years ago. The deep purple berry, grown in the Amazon rainforest, combined with a little bit of pineapple, banana, ice and juice exploded into a burst of sensory delights upon my palate at the time.

Acaì has the taste of berry with a hint of cocoa, that is quite pleasant and unique. When hearing about the high levels of anti-oxidants acai contains, along with Omega fats, protein and dietary fiber, I knew it would be wise to add this fruit to my health regimen. Acaì contains more anti-oxidants than blueberries, or pomegranates which are touted as top choices for health and anti-aging protocols.

The Sambazon company is rightfully, credited with introducing this wonderful fruit to America. Sambazon’s two young, founders discovered acai a few short years ago while visiting Brazil. Introduced to the popularity of acai by local inhabitants, they soon learned of it’s great nutritional value, and decided to bring the benefits of acai, home to the United States. It wasn’t long after they began Sambazon, that I had my first taste of their product, and have been happy with it ever since.

My favorite way to use acai is to take a tablespoon of acai powder, and mix it into a smoothie concoction of my own ingredients. I like it medium thick, so I never add ice…a little banana, strawberries, pineapple, mango and pure yogurt with a squirt of water or juice, brings my acai smoothie to the right consistency for me. The favorite time of the day for me to drink my acai, is in the morning soon after awakening. An acai breakfast feels clean, energizing and nourishing. It may be my imagination, but anytime I drink my acai, I feel an up-lifting, slow burning energy which lasts for hours…

Acaì is also popular in a bowl. (Rio Bowl) Many people mix the puree with a tiny amount of water or juice (3 to 4 ozs), a whole or partial banana, and sometimes pineapple. They then mix it in an electric blender, scoop it into a bowl, sprinkle some granola on top finishing it off withsliced banana. The bowl, is a popular way that Brazilian people I’ve met prefer. They enjoy an acai bowl with sliced banana incorporated within it. Having met a large amount of people from Brazil at the juice bar in downtown Manhattan, I can assure you that, people of the Amazon do use acaì for it’s nutritional value…it is not just hype.

Acai has grown in popularity since the day I was introduced to it. The health conscious can now purchase acai in a variety of forms, including pre-bottled drinks, powders, capsules as well as Sambazon's, organic pulp packages. IPeople who know me, know that I do not endorse what I haven’t had personal experience with. Acai is a winner; I use it...and, I love it.           

RagMag Rating for Acai - Five Stars (Top Score)   

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 Natural Remedies: Alternative Options for Healing by Bill Crimi

Perhaps you have suffered from a physical ailment far too long, with little or no relief from conventiional medicines. If so, you may wish to consider a natural, alternative approach to symptom relief...or, possible cure. Of course the FDA does not permit claims by natural remedy hawkers, that their products 'cure'...but, that does not mean they are all bogus. Millions of people around the globe have choosen non-prescriptive alternative medicines, (botanical compounds) in place of modern day synthetic compounds, with fantastic results.

Most notably among healing circles, the proven natural remedies, are herbal (plant based) products. These products come directly from nature in whole form, extracts, tinctures, capsules etc. Most healing, herbal compounds are based upon sound science, as well as traditional folk knowledge passed along through generations, worldwide. As with any pitch to buy...take caution and read with a discerning eye. Do a little (or a lot) of research into the compounds you are considering spending your money on, and be auspicious when it comes to fantastic claims of miracle cures by some marketeers. Also, be leery of distributors of products that cost substancially more than average. Claims of higher potency, and purity are not necesarilly false...there does exist variations in quality and integrity throughout our consumer markets: alternative health product companies are not exceptions.

The above link from RagMag, to Herbs by Ounce is a worthwhile starting point for you. The store contains an abundance of products, with consumer information. Give them a try, and who knows...you might not only find natural symtom relief, you may actually find a cure. Remember though, consider taking a multi-demensional approach to bettering your health by combining excersize, good eating habits, elimination of harmful habits and relaxation techniques.

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